Whether it’s a fender bender or a severe collision that totals your car, all drivers want to avoid accidents. Defensive driving is key to protecting yourself and others on the road, and it helps you avoid a situation where you have to have your car taken away by a tow truck. Follow some simple safe driving rules to prevent the most common causes behind vehicular collisions.

How to Prevent a Collision

1. Focus on the Road

This may seem like a simple tip, but 3,166 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017 alone. Put your phone on a “do not disturb” setting before you get in the car. Never read, apply makeup, eat, or deal with children in the backseat while driving. If you need to take a phone call or look up directions, pull over.

2. Follow the Two-Second Rule

Many drivers have to call for a tow truck because they rear-ended the driver in front of them. You can prevent this by maintaining a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, which will give you enough time to react if they do something unexpected. Use the two-second rule when deciding if you are too close to another car. When the vehicle in front of you passes something stationary, at least two seconds should pass before you reach it.

3. Wait at the Green Light

Red light runners are a common cause of accidents. When a light turns green, wait three seconds and look both ways for red light runners before you pull forward.

4. Don’t Drive Drowsy

Drowsy driving is responsible for 328,000 crashes each year. If you’re traveling a long distance or at night, plan the trip so that you don’t drive impaired. You should consider stopping for the night or switching off with another driver if you begin to feel tired. You know you’re too tired if you're frequently yawning, nodding off, drifting out of your lane, or having trouble remembering landmarks from the last few miles.

If you do get in an accident, the right towing team will get you on your way safely and quickly. Goldbeck Towing Service has been one of the premier auto towing companies for more than 60 years in La Crosse, WI, and the surrounding areas. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for vehicles of all sizes and accidents of all types. Learn more online and call (608) 781-4869 to request a tow truck.